ARRIVAL OF WHALERS

Evening Post, Volume CXII, Issue 106, 31 October 1931, Page 6

ARRIVAL OF WHALERS

CENTENARY IN OTAGQ

(By Telegraph.—Press Association.) DTJNEDIN, 29th October. The centenary celebrations in connection with the arrival of tho Weller Brothers, who established, a whaling station at Otakou in 1831, took place at the Kaik this afternoon in the presence of a largo number of people. Tlig Governor-General ami Lady Blcdisloo arrived at the rock shortly before 2 o'clock, and, following the ofiicial introductions, little Atanui Ellison, groat-granddaughter of Mr. Edward Wei lor, presented her Excellency; with a Maori mat.1 Maoris from all over Otago ha<i assembled, and, garbed in Native dress, they welcomed the party with hakas' and the school children gave poi dances and hakas. ..."■. . A huge Maori oven'had been constructed and on this a number or" groper, surrounded by. potatoes, were cook/, ing. ■ ; •, . ■ ■ ■ Just as the Vice-Regal party arrived' a whaleboat was seen in the distance,' and as it neared the: shore a band of Native warriors dashed from bushes.' The whalers stepped ashore and offered; gifts to the Maoris,'. who, when' theysaw that the visitors "were friendly, gave gifts in return. The whalers then, planted the Union Jack on the beach and took possession of the land in tho -name of William IV. ' Sea chanties were sung by membert and the Mayor addressed the gathering and asked the Governor-General to place the tablet in position on the rock.